Incredible Things to Do in Rome, Italy for First-Time Visitors
If you’re visiting Italy’s capital for the first time, it can truly be overwhelming! I’ve been to Rome over a dozen times – from visiting local friends to taking day trips from Civitavecchia while working on cruise ships. Despite visiting so many times, I continue to find fun things to do in Rome on each visit!
Whether you’re looking to enjoy Rome’s top sites, dive into the rich cuisine, or enjoy the nightlife, we’re going to give you all the options you need to create an epic Rome itinerary.
This guide is here to share all of the best things to do in Rome, starting with the must-do activities, and then sharing some of our awesome activities that our local friends have shared with us.
Want to save the article for later? Pin it!
*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we’ve used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Before Exploring the Best Things to Do in Rome (A Few of the Basics)
Before diving into all of the best things to do in Rome, let’s go over a few of the basics to help you plan your trip.
🇮🇹 Why Visit Rome?
Rome is one of those cities that everyone should experience at least once, and is easy to want to visit over and over. With thousands of years of history, incredible architecture, world-famous cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most visited cities in the world.
Whether you’re admiring ancient landmarks like the Colosseum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or enjoying an authentic dinner in Trastevere, Rome is a city that is full of magic, and can be enjoyed by all types of travelers. T
he best part? No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. Even after visiting over a dozen times ourselves, we still find new neighborhoods, restaurants, and experiences that keep us coming back year after year.
⏳ How Many Days Should You Spend in Rome?
While you can see many of Rome’s highlights in two or three days, we’d recommend spending at least four days if it’s your first visit. This gives you enough time to visit the major landmarks, enjoy some incredible food, wander through the city’s charming neighborhoods, and even take a day trip if your schedule allows.
Of course, if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably find yourself planning your next trip before you’ve even left!
The Best Things to Do in Rome
If it’s your first time visiting Rome, it can be difficult deciding what deserves a spot on your itinerary. From ancient landmarks and world-famous museums to incredible food and charming neighborhoods, there are endless things to do in Rome.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve rounded up the experiences we think every first-time visitor should have. Whether you’re spending one day in Rome or a full week exploring the Eternal City, these activities will help you experience the very best the Italian capital has to offer.
🏛 Visit Rome’s Iconic Landmarks
Italy’s capital is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, and no first trip would be complete without explore all of the best sites in Rome. While they may be popular tourist attractions, they’re popular for a reason! Here are the iconic sights we think every first-time visitor should experience.
🏛️ Tour the Vatican
One of the absolute best things to do in Rome for first-time visitors is to explore Vatican City. It’s actually considered to be its own country, and the smallest one in the world at that! It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the famous Sistine Chapel. It’s honestly a place some people spend all day.
If you only have time for one thing, don’t miss climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. The panoramic views over Rome are incredible, and it’s one of our favorite viewpoints in the city. If you’re planning to visit the museums, be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
💡 Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, as there’s a dress code for entering St. Peter’s Basilica.
🏟️ Visit the Colosseum
No first trip to Rome is complete without seeing the Colosseum. As the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and an incredible place to learn about the history of the Roman Empire. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s impressive to admire from the outside at any time of day.
If you have the time, we definitely recommend purchasing tickets to explore the interior and combining your visit with the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
💡 Book your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues
⛲️ Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
One of the most iconic things to do in Rome is toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. According to legend, throwing one coin over your left shoulder with your right hand means you’ll one day return to Rome. Whether you believe the tradition or not, it’s a fun experience that’s become a must for first-time visitors.
The fountain is especially beautiful after dark when it’s illuminated, but it also attracts huge crowds throughout the day.
🚫 Please do not go into the water or touch it!
🏛️ Visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments from Ancient Rome and one of the city’s most impressive architectural masterpieces. Originally built as a Roman temple, it’s been standing for nearly 2,000 years and continues to amaze visitors with its enormous dome and fascinating history.
Since it’s located right in the heart of Rome’s historic center, it’s an easy stop to add to your itinerary while exploring nearby attractions like Piazza Navona or the Trevi Fountain.
💃🏻 Walk the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are another one of Rome’s famous landmarks and make a great stop while exploring the historic center. Stretching between Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti Church, they’re the perfect place to admire the surrounding architecture and soak up the atmosphere.
From here, you can easily continue shopping along Via dei Condotti or wander through the nearby streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and gelato shops.
💡 Scratch Your Mapa Tip: Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited, so admire them while standing or from the surrounding piazza before continuing your walk through the neighborhood.
👀 Wander Through Rome’s Historic Piazzas
One of our favorite ways to explore Rome is by wandering from one piazza to the next. Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza del Popolo all have their own unique charm, and each one offers something a little different.
Grab a coffee, order a gelato, and spend some time people watching. Sometimes the best moments end up being the one’s you can enjoy while just hanging out.
🍝 Eat & Drink Like a Local
Italian food is famous around the world, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it in Rome. From family-run trattorias to bustling piazzas filled with outdoor cafés, some of our favorite memories in the city have been centered around food, especially since we have some good friends from Rome that know some incredible spots and experiences!
🍕 Take a Food Tour
If you really want to get to know Roman cuisine, a food tour is one of the best things to do in Rome. Not only will you get to sample delicious local dishes, but you’ll also learn about the city’s culinary traditions while discovering neighborhoods you may not have visited otherwise.
Many tours include classics like cacio e pepe, carbonara, supplì, local cheeses, cured meats, and of course, plenty of gelato.
🥃 Enjoy Aperitivo
One of our favorite Italian traditions is aperitivo. Similar to happy hour, it’s a chance to enjoy a pre-dinner drink alongside small bites before sitting down for your evening meal.
Whether you choose a classic Aperol Spritz, an Italian wine, or a refreshing cocktail, taking an hour to slow down and enjoy aperitivo is an experience every first-time visitor needs to have.
🍸 Have a Drink in Trastevere
If you’re wondering where to spend an evening in Rome, head to Trastevere. This charming neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, cozy wine bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city.
Our local friends introduced us to Trastevere years ago, and it’s become one of the first places we visit every time we’re back in Rome. It’s the perfect neighborhood to wander without a plan and simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Upgrade Your Inspo
Get the best travel tips, tricks, and hidden gems sent directly to your inbox. You’ll become a better traveler, week after week.
Upgrade Your Inspo
Get the best travel tips, tricks, and hidden gems sent directly to your inbox. You’ll become a better traveler, week after week.
🍏 Visit a Local Market
Rome is home to several fantastic markets where you can experience local life while sampling fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and street food. Campo de’ Fiori is one of the city’s most famous markets and is a great stop while exploring the historic center.
If you’re looking for something a little more local, head to Testaccio Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh pasta and pizza to traditional Roman sandwiches and homemade pastries.
🚣♂️ Rent a Boat in Borghese Gardens
Looking for something a little different? Head to Villa Borghese, one of the largest parks in Rome, and rent a small rowboat on the lake. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy streets and a fun activity that many first time visitors don’t know about.
After your boat ride, spend some time wandering through the gardens or relaxing on one of the many benches before heading back into the city.
🚲 See Rome from a Different Perspective
While walking is one of the best ways to explore Rome, there are plenty of fun ways to see the city from a different perspective. If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, one of these experiences is a great way to cover more ground while learning about the city’s incredible history.
🛺 Take a Golf Cart Tour
If you’re short on time or simply don’t want to spend the entire day walking, a golf cart tour is one of the best things to do in Rome. It’s a comfortable way to visit many of the city’s top attractions while your guide shares stories and local insights along the way, and it’s also super fun!
We especially love this option for families, friends, or anyone visiting during the hot summer months when walking between attractions can become exhausting.
🛵 Ride Through Rome on a Vespa
Nothing says “Roman holiday” quite like riding through the streets on a Vespa. Whether you choose to drive yourself or book a guided tour, it’s such a fun way to experience the city while taking in some of Rome’s most famous landmarks.
If driving in Rome feels a bit intimidating, don’t worry. Many tours include a local driver, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
Color Your Trip
Get our Italy coloring book with customized scenes from around the country!
🏍️ Explore the City by E-Bike
Rome is much bigger than many first-time visitors expect, which makes an e-bike tour a great alternative to exploring on foot. You’ll be able to cover much more of the city while still enjoying the freedom to stop at viewpoints, piazzas, and historic sites along the way.
Many tours even take you beyond the city center to places like the Appian Way, giving you the chance to experience a quieter side of Rome that many visitors miss.
🚐 Go on a Day Trip
If you have a few extra days in Rome, consider taking a day trip outside the city. There are so many beautiful destinations within easy reach, whether you’re looking for hilltop villages, beaches, or historic towns.
Some of our favorite day trips from Rome include Tivoli, Civita di Bagnoregio, Orvieto, and Sperlonga. Each offers something completely different and is a great way to experience another side of Italy beyond the capital.
Enjoying the Best Things to Do in Rome: Final Tips & What’s Next
Rome is one of those cities that truly lives up to the hype. From wandering through ancient ruins and admiring incredible architecture to enjoying authentic Italian cuisine, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth, the Eternal City always has something new waiting to be discovered.
Before you go, here are a few final tips to help you make the most of your visit:
🎟 Book tickets for the Vatican and Colosseum in advance, especially during the spring and summer months. 👟 Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking much more than you expect. 💧 Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at Rome’s free public drinking fountains. 🍝 Avoid restaurants with tourist menus right next to major attractions. Wander a few streets away for a more authentic meal. ☀️ Start your sightseeing early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. 🚶 Leave time to explore without an itinerary. Some of the best moments in Rome happen when you simply wander through its beautiful streets.
Want to save the article for later? Pin it!
👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know how to get around Rome, let’s help you explore more of the city and the country!
Here are some other Italy travel guides that we have:
🛳️ How to get to Rome
🤩 Things to see in Rome
🛵 How to get around Rome
📸 Best photo spots on the Amalfi Coast
🍋 Amalfi Coast travel guide
🐙 Bari travel guide
🚣♂️ How to visit Lago di Braies
🏔 Hiking Cadini di Misurina
🥾 Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
💧 The hike to Lago di Sorapis
⛰ Dolomites travel guide
🛶 Venice travel guide
🌈 Burano travel guide
👩🏻🎨 Florence travel guide
🛳 Genoa travel guide
🎬 Turin travel guide
⛪️ Things to do in Milan
Now you have all of the information for how to get around in Rome, Italy! Have any other questions though? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
Want to learn more visiting Rome and other areas of Italy? We have tons of other Italy Travel Guides for you, as well as new ones coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you’re able to stay up to date with our most recent articles, and get special discounts on our shop.
Ready to start planning an incredible trip to Italy? Well, we’re here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so you can skip all the tedious work, and simply enjoy your trip. Take a look at our travel planning packages we have, or simply email us to get started today!
